The Most Meritorious Order of Saint Andrew

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

In commemoration of its 250th anniversary the Saint Andrew's Society of Washington DC has established The Most Meritorious Order of Saint Andrew to recognize the achievements of the Scottish diaspora in the United States, as well as in those countries which do not have a national system of honours.

Membership in The Most Meritorious Order of Saint Andrew is limited to 250 individuals, and not more than 25 individuals may be admitted to the Order in any one year. Nominations to receive the Order may be made by individuals, Saint Andrew's Societies, Clan societies and associations, Scottish cultural bodies, and other bodies which may have notice of suitable candidates for the award.

The Order is awarded in the following categories:

Arts & Letters
Commerce and Science
Culture and Heritage
Humanitarian Service
Philanthropy
Singular Acts of Bravery and Heroism

Awards are not made for political activism, nor is the Order bestowed posthumously, except in the instance of singular acts of bravery or heroism.

The insignia of the award is a badge worn pendent from a ribbon placed around the neck, or pendent from a bow worn on the left shoulder in the instance of lady recipients. The badge shows the effigy of St. Andrew surrounded by a strap and buckle on which are thirteen stars.

Individuals or organizations wishing to put forward candidates for The Most Meritorious Order of Saint Andrew my do so by requesting the nomination form from the Saint Andrew's Society of Washington DC.

[artificer]

WONDERFUL!

While I'll never be nominated myself (not being Scottish) I think the idea has great merit and should help raise the profile of Scottish-Americans (and hopefully, the kilt).

[MacBean]

I think that is really grand; well done!

However, I can envision a wee problem. Many Scots of the diaspora, arrived here 240 years ago or more, so their Scottishness may be a bit diluted. How are we do judge who is Scottish? If they say that 25% of the US can trace ancestry back to the Mayflower, I might venture that more than 50% of the US can connect to Scotland in some way or another, with few being able to prove it.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I think that is really grand; well done!

However, I can envision a wee problem. Many Scots of the diaspora, arrived here 240 years ago or more, so their Scottishness may be a bit diluted. How are we do judge who is Scottish? If they say that 25% of the US can trace ancestry back to the Mayflower, I might venture that more than 50% of the US can connect to Scotland in some way or another, with few being able to prove it.

Actually the award recognizes the excellence of those within and without the diaspora. For example:

Mr. DeGrazzio (resident in Pasadena, California, and with not a drop of Scottish blood in him) decides to fund a Chair of Scottish Studies at his local university. This act of philanthropy would qualify him to be nominated for the award of The Most Meritorious Order of Saint Andrew.

In other words, one need not be Scottish or of Scottish ancestry. Any individual whose accomplishments have in some way been of benefit to the Scottish diaspora, or to the wider community as a whole, may be nominated for the award.

[Ancienne Alliance]

This is such an honour indeed...

Hum... probably in my next life...


Best,

Robert

[MacBean]

I like this open-handedness a lot and could wish our local St.Andrews society were a bit more approachable and creative as yours. I have a few ideas, but need to do a lot more research up front before offering names for consideration.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I like this open-handedness a lot and could wish our local St.Andrews society were a bit more approachable and creative as yours. I have a few ideas, but need to do a lot more research up front before offering names for consideration.

Nominations for this year will close on September 1st and any nomination must be made on the official nomination form available from the Saint Andrew's Society of Washington DC.